Eight landlords, who own residential apartments in Kitui town, have been arrested.
The landlords were apprehended following a sting operation conducted by officials from the Kitui County government water department and Kitui Water and Sewerage Company (KITWASCO) in conjunction with police officers.
Kitui Water and Irrigation Chief Officer, Kioko Kiilu, said the operation revealed that the landlord had installed illegal water connections, denying the water company much-needed revenue.
“The situation is shocking. We found that some of them have diverted unmetered water into wells and tanks to evade paying water bills,” said Kiilu.
The water official said the KITWASCO has incurred losses and has been unable to break even due to theft and illegal connections.
“KITWASCO is supposed to be making over Sh30 million monthly but they are hardly realizing Sh15 million,” said Kiilu, adding that the company can no longer afford to pay its own electricity bills.
Kiilu warned that the operation will continue until all culprits are arrested.
KITWASCO Managing Director, Geoffrey Kitonga, revealed that some rogue staff colluded with unscrupulous landlords to condone illegal water connections.
“Let all those involved be warned that we will unearth their underhand dealings and ensure that they face the law because what they are doing is criminal,” said Kitonga.
The landlords were arrested on Wednesday afternoon, February 10.
